Cape Racing’s recently announced syndication initiative programme has sparked plenty of interest among trainers and aspiring new racehorse owners.
Based on promoting ownership within the region and expanding and transforming the owners’ ranks, the programme has already inspired the registration of several bright, new syndicates carrying participation from individuals at the entry-level of the sport.
The programme has been structured for inclusion, enjoyment of the experience and race day benefits; the programme offers financial bonuses and other rewards at varying levels, incorporating all tiers of the training ranks and weighted to support the growth of the smaller yards.
Veteran trainer Greg Ennion, whose barn at Milnerton is chock-a-block following good recent results, has ten new owners involved in his ‘Genuine Ennion’ Syndicate.
They are spread over two Captain Of All fillies, Rocking Peonie and All Is Green. Rocking Peonie made an excellent debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Tuesday, finishing just four lengths off the highly regarded La Divina.
Ennion commented: “Rocking Peonie had only a half-pace gallop around the Hollywoodbets Durbanville racecourse bend a few weeks ago; she will come on for the run, and jockey Craig Zackey liked her. All Is Green is very precocious; she’s doing fast work already and could be out to race in one of the first juvenile dashes in November.”
Ennion said that the Syndicate title “Genuine Ennion” was born from his patrons Marsh Shirtliff and (the late) Anton van Molendorff, who paid regular midweek visits to his yard and branded his weekend doubles at the racetrack as “Genuine Ennion” doubles. “I also had a few trebles and once four winners on a day at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Marsh and Anton said they were all “Genuine Ennion” winners, though some came unexpectedly!”
The Genuine Ennion Syndicate silks are black with white chevrons, bright green sleeves, and a black and bright green quartered cap.
Up-and-coming Lucinda Woodruff, set for the best season of her career, has registered the Woodruff Racing Syndicate and will use pink as her primary colour. “I want as much pink as possible with a kind of Barbie Doll feel. This suits my aim to get many young people to come racing. I can get 50 people or more involved in the Woodruff syndicate, just from among my friends and acquaintances.
“There is plenty of interest. From my experience, younger people do enjoy racing. We know that Bass Racing has over 100 individuals involved in their syndicates. They’re out there; we must bring them in!”
Woodruff will buy her first syndicate horse at the Cape Racing Ready To Run and 2-y-o Unbroken Sale at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on 22 October. “It’s a convenient sale for this purpose, and I will be looking for something in the R250,000 range, which equates to 50 syndicate members investing R5,000 each, but this could change as we approach the sale.”
Oscar Foulkes of Normandy Stud has syndicated runners under the Normandy Banner for several years and has registered for the new incentives. He raced primarily with Justin Snaith and said: “I’ve had a few dozen clients over the years, including several who went on to more regular ownership, a few who dropped off and some non-payers. But in the end, what matters is that we get new blood into the sport and attract, on average, ten unique individuals with every offer.
“I’ve learnt that the thrill of owning even a small fractional share of a horse brings as much joy to new owners as owning major shares. And winning a Maiden Plate carries the same joy as winning a stakes race. We make shares of as low as 1% available and have experimented with different customised options, such as paying all costs upfront for a year or two. We look at the horses we have available for syndication, who our clients are and how we can offer them the best and most enjoyable experiences at affordable costs. Cape Racing’s incentives are a big help.”
The Normandy Syndicates have had many winners over the years, a few inevitable disappointments which are a part of ownership, and a few sales to Mauritius from which shareholders have benefited financially.
“We have a current runner in Fallo Ancora, by Twice Over, a bit of a late bloomer, but she’s won two races this year, and we’ve covered the costs and had lots of fun.”
The Normandy silks are fuchsia with a white sash and sleeves, a striped cap, and a fuchsia peak.
